The CDC recently set forth new ""Requirements for Immigrant Medical Examinations: COVID-19 Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons."" Beginning October 1, 2021 persons applying for permanent residence will be required to provide proof that they have been vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus at the time of their medical exam or receive the vaccinations before the medical exam can be completed. The proof of vaccination will be part of the required medical examination. The addition of the COVID-19 vaccination is not surprising and joins a long list of other required vaccinations (tetanus, polio, measles, influenza, etc.). The COVID-19 vaccination requirement will differ from previous requirements in that the entire vaccine series (1 or 2 doses depending on formulation) must be completed. It is not specified which vaccines will be acceptable, however only an official vaccination record or a copy of a medical chart stating that the individual has received the full complement of doses will be accepted as proof.
There are exceptions to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement, the same as for the other required vaccines, including persons who are too young or have contraindications or other health based reasons to not receive the vaccine. There is also a waiver for individuals in countries with no or limited COVID-19 vaccine supplies.
We strongly recommend that anyone who is scheduling a medical exam to be sure they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before doing so and that they request the civil surgeon to acknowledge the COVID-19 vaccination in the medical record. While the CDC recommends that civil surgeons should accommodate applicants if they want to complete the remaining components of the exam after they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, there is no guarantee that the physicians will agree to this accommodation. Additionally, it appears USCIS will require medical exams submitted after October 1 to contain the COVID-19 vaccination confirmation. Cases pending prior to that date should not be affected.
